Louisville still had more than enough to win its third national title.

Luke Hancock made four straight 3-pointers in the first half, and Peyton Siva and Chane Behanan had monster second halves to lead the top-seeded Cardinals (35-5) to their first national title since 1986 on Monday night with an 82-76 victory over Michigan.

Hancock finished with 22 points, including a perfect 5 for 5 from 3-point range. Siva had 14 of his 18 points in the second half, and Chane Behanan had 11 of his 12 rebounds in the second half. Behanan also chipped in 15 points.

As the final seconds ticked off, Hancock looked at the Louisville fans and screamed.

Hancock was named the Most Outstanding Player.

Given increased playing time and more shots because of Ware's injury, Hancock went 5 for 5 from 3-point range in Monday night's 82-76 win over Michigan in the national title game. He finished with 22 points to add to the 20 from Saturday night's semifinals.

Quite a performance from the player coach Rick Pitino was afraid to start because he wanted to keep him out of foul trouble.

Quite a treat for Hancock's father, Bill, who is gravely ill with a sickness the family does not want to disclose, but made the trip down from Roanoke, Va., nonetheless to see his son become the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.

Tonight's attendance: 74,326, was an all-time record for national championship game, breaking the record set in 2011 in Houston (72,922).

Louisville blew through its first four opponents before rallying from a dozen points down in the second half to beat surprising Wichita State 72-68 in the national semifinals.

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks Monday after the University of Louisville Cardinals won the 2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship:

“Congratulations to Coach Rick Pitino and the Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team for their triumphant march to the 2013 NCAA National Championship. Cards fans will always remember this historic season. This team won the Big East Tournament, made a second consecutive trip to the Final Four, and inspired the nation the way they came together to win their last two games for their injured teammate, Kevin Ware. They truly deserve this victory, and Kentucky is proud of them. Go Cards!”